New California laws make housing more affordable and sustainable
California got three new laws that allow more homes to be built. Denser cities should shorten commutes, lower emissions, and make for more equitable housing.
North & Central America
Alabama begins removing racist language from its constitution
The state government is drafting amendments to its 1901 State Constitution that would remove discriminatory language. The changes would mark the end of the last remaining legal remnants of what are generally referred to as Jim Crow laws.
Boston University to fully divest from fossil fuel industry
Going forward, BU will phase out any investments in companies that extract oil and natural gas. The University’s endowment, more than $3 billion, will not have any direct investments in fossil fuel companies.
New York City is removing policing from city schools
The city’s 5,000 school safety agents will be transferred from the supervision of the New York police department to the Department of Education in June of next year.
World’s first battery-powered freight train unveiled in Pittsburgh
The train was built by rail-freight company Wabtec and showcased at Carnegie Mellon University as part of a bid by the two organizations to decarbonize rail freight transport in the U.S., The Guardian reported.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs grants all benefits to those discharged under ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
Veterans who were discharged because of their gender identity, sexual orientation or HIV status will now receive the full range of veterans’ benefits including home loan guaranty, pension benefits, health care, and more.
Canada announces $340 million investment to support Indigenous-led conservation
More than half of the investment will go towards supporting new and existing Indigenous Guardians initiatives as well as the development of Indigenous Guardians Networks for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
Los Angeles County votes to end oil and gas drilling
There are currently 1,046 active wells, 637 idle wells, and 2,731 abandoned wells in unincorporated areas of the nation’s most populous county.
New Jersey automatically expunged 360,000 cannabis cases this summer
Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation into law in 2019 facilitating a process for the review and vacation of the criminal records of those previously convicted of low-level marijuana offenses.
New York state bans sale of ICE vehicles after 2035
The new law makes New York the second U.S. state to ban conventional cars and trucks. The legislation also requires the state government to create of a detailed plan for zero emissions vehicle development by 2023.